WHO states strike deal to extend talks on pandemic treaty
WHO member states have agreed to extend negotiations on a key pandemic treaty element for up to a year. The extension comes amid ongoing disagreements between wealthy and developing nations regarding the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing system. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed confidence in the member states' ability to reach a successful agreement.
- ▪The decision to extend negotiations was made during the World Health Organization's annual high-level assembly in Geneva.
- ▪A significant disagreement exists between wealthy and developing countries on how the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing system will function.
- ▪Countries have until May 2027 to finalize the negotiations, with the possibility of an earlier special session in 2026.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
WHO states strike deal to extend talks on pandemic treatySign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxA deep disagreement persisted between wealthy and developing countries on how the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing system would work in practice.PHOTO: REUTERSPublished May 19, 2026, 11:59 PMUpdated May 19, 2026, 11:59 PMGENEVA – WHO member states have agreed to extend negotiations on a key element of their pandemic agreement for up to a year, the organisation said on May 19.The decision was taken during the World Health Organization’s annual high-level assembly, currently under way in Geneva.“The commitment of member states to continue negotiations is a clear signal that far from giving up, they’re forging ahead,” said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.“I have every…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.